Meta Removes Iranian Account Network Using AI to Intervene in US Politics
Meta has officially removed a network of Facebook and Instagram accounts connected to an operation originating from Iran. The network is known to have used artificial intelligence (AI) technology to target audiences in the United States through content related to American politics.
Based on the latest threat report released by Meta, the company took action against four Facebook accounts and 31 Instagram accounts linked to actors in Iran. The operation drew attention because it managed to gather thousands of followers by posing as ordinary Americans in order to boost the authenticity of their content.
Meta revealed that the network’s operators shared memes and messages expressing anti-Republican views as well as narratives concerning the Israel-Palestine conflict and immigration issues. The use of AI was found in the creation of some of the content, including memes distributed on the platform.
A Meta spokesperson stated that information about the operation was shared with law enforcement authorities in the United States for follow-up.
In running their campaign, the operators posed as individuals based in the US, such as activists, students and graphic designers. They claimed to live in major cities such as Washington DC, San Diego and Atlanta.
Meta confirmed that none of the collaboration attempts succeeded. Internal data showed around 79,400 accounts followed one or more of the inauthentic meme accounts on Instagram.
Meta estimated the campaign’s reach was at a moderate level, with meaningful but limited engagement. Although the tactics used were not entirely new, the number of followers and the breadth of interaction within the network served as an important note for the company.
AI-generated content has now become a routine part of online influence operations. Meta stated that AI technology has been found in nearly every influence network it has dismantled recently. As a precautionary measure, Meta continues to invest in AI technology to detect inauthentic account behaviour more quickly and accurately.